Do you homeschool you child? I am really wanting to and having hard time "letting go" of four year old?

Question

I have a son who just turned four this week, they have vpk and I am looking into it. I live with my mother while I am getting my degree in elementary education, I have two more years to go. I have been with my son since he was born except for the occasional trip to the store, or my college to take a test or something like that. My mother works in the schools and insists that he needs to go to vpk from a teacher other than me to learn to take direction and socialize. I kind of agree, but he will be going four days a week if he goes, and for four hours a day. Isn't this alot to be away from his mother? He is only four, not fourteen. I feel like I will be letting him down and giving my motherly responsibilities to someone else, it is really making me sad. Should I just homeschool him and socialize through other supervised less time stressing activities? What is your opinion? We are Christian and I really want to do what is wanted by God.

Answer 1

You having difficulty letting him go is not a good reason to homeschool.  Go spend a day observing the preschool classes and then go home and make a list of the benefits of homeschools verses the benefits of sending the child to school without any outside input for other family members.  Which list has more benefits?  That's the choice you should you make.

Answer 2

Everyone is sad when their child goes out into the world and it has to happen eventually. If you are able to homeschool your child and still ensure he gets social interaction with other children and you honestly feel like homeschooling is the best option for him then you should do it. Stop for 5 minutes and ask yourself what you should do. Chances are you will know which choice is right for your child when you honestly want whats best for him and you give yourself a little time to meditate on it.

Answer 3

He doesn't have to go. You are his mom and you know what's best. You can do lots of things with him at home and take him to the park to be with other kids his age.

My kids went to a limited amount of preschool. I would not have sent them except that I felt the pressure from people around me. It sounds like you have your head on straight! Follow your gut!!

Best of Luck!

Jana

http://www.purehomeschooling.com/

Answer 4

I am kinda in the same boat as you. I have 3 small kids I am a stay at home mom and with my kids 24/7 since they were each born. My daughter will be starting school next year, and were I live the school is awful in academics, and drugs, etc. Its not a place I want my kids to attend school for sure! We have decided to homeschool them and put them in activites such as karate, ballet, dance, gymastics, etc. We want her to have several of these to keep her busy where she will be with kids her age and also she wont get to bored. lol. We are christians also and I dont feel that its a religious things to put ur kids in school or homeschool them. As long as they are learning what is needed and are taught about the lord, and  worship him. You should do what makes you feel better. If you feel more comfortable with you teaching your kid then go for it. Good luck in ur decision

Answer 5

The feeling of giving your motherly responsibilities to someone else, is the same way I feel.  We know that God gave us these children and told us to train them up, yet we hand them over to strangers who work for the government and do not have our children's best interests at heart.  A four year old should still be with their mother as much as possible and I know you feel the same way!  If you do homeschool, be prepared for the naysayers who will try to undermine your knowledge and capabilities.  You will have to be determined to stand strong, because you know what is best for your child.  There are plenty of opportunities for homeschooled kids to socialize.  The greatest part is that they learn how to interact with people of all ages.  In a public school setting they are in with only children their age and the adult who is supervising them.  

Do you know of a homeschooling group  in your area?  You could do a google search and possibly find one.  We have a group where I live.  Between all of us helping each other out, the kids have plenty, to too much to do.  We are involved in swimming, skating, skiing, basketball, volleyball, 4-H, music lessons, tai-kwan-do, lego club, church, field trips........

Stay strong.

Answer 6

You can call it "letting go" or you can call it "kicking him out." If it feels like kicking him out, you're probably making the right decision. Since you are Christian, I'd like to recommend you look at the classical education models. There are many, many Christian homeschoolers on http://www.welltrainedmind.com/forums Of course not everyone who follows their theories is a Christian (I'm not) and not all Christians follow the classical method. Read their website and see what you think.

Your mum is not correct, but I don't recommend arguing with her. Research until you feel entirely sure you are making the right decision, then when your mum brings up the topic you say "Mum, you've seen the amount of research I've done and I have made my decision. If, in the future, I come to feel it is no longer the right decision for us, I will re-evaluate. I would appreciate your support in making the best of this."

Answer 7

Of course you can homeschool!  Why not...especially with him that young!  You can see if there are other home school mommies in your area to have him interact with other children and you can sign him up for sports and activities where he can get to socialize.  Do what you feel is best for you and your son!  My daughter goes to public school but homeschooling is best for some people.

Answer 8

Four days a week and only four hours?  Let him go and see if he likes it.  You're not a bad mother if he isn't with you 24 hours.  Give it a try you might like having time to yourself.  Read a book, take a walk etc.

If he doesn't like it then by all means home school him.  

My children were home schooled and also attended public school.  You need to try different things sometimes.  Good luck to you!